Teams have gone through, teams have been knocked out, and players have both disappointed and impressed after two group stage games. With just one more game before the knockout stages, we are inching closer to bidding 16 teams adieu. But for now, here's what we've learned, and what we knew, about all eight groups.
Group A:
What We Knew: Uruguay can win ugly.
After the first game of the group stages, Uruguay dealing a heartbreaking blow to Egypt in the 89th minute, we saw that Uruguay could gut a game out and grab a late-winner. Against Saudi Arabia, they opted to strike in the 23rd through Luis Suarez and then did what they needed on the defensive end in order to hold off the Saudi Arabian side that looked much improved than that which took on Russia in the opening match of the World Cup. Uruguay's only needed two goals to confirm their advancement in the 2018 World Cup, but they'd surely like to finish the group with a win over Russia with a bit of flair.
What We Learned: Russia had indeed been dealt the group of life.
This is not a knock on Egypt or Saudi Arabia, who both hung tough with the side most consider to be the top in Group A, but Russia has looked a class above the side second-lowest in the entire competition (aside from themselves) and a bottom-half Pot 3 group. Many questioned Russia's potential advancement still, especially with Mo Salah's outstanding club season with Liverpool, and wondered if they would be able to produce the necessary results. They responded with a resounding yes as they put Egypt away with three second half goals. Their clash against Uruguay will be very telling about their chances against a round of 16 opponent.
Group B:
What We Knew: Spain is going to be a bit shaky.
With the controversy surrounding the sacking of their manager just days before the World Cup and the manner in which they drew against Portugal, the match against Iran was a must-win for the European side. They did just that as they grinded out a 1-0 win, complete with a disallowed Iranian goal. Spain look set to advance through to the knockout stages, a draw will secure this, but there are still questions to be asked of this Spanish side. A match-up with them and Uruguay would be very intriguing for fans of the sport.
What Surprised Us: Morocco is the first to go.
Yes, Morocco was a long-shot to advance out of this group with two of the world's best sides, but they were rated by many to be one of the better sides in Pot 4 and potentially a candidate to surprise some. They were arguably the better side in both of their matches, against Iran and Portugal, but suffered devastating losses to both with a second half stoppage time own goal and a fourth minute goal from Ronaldo. They are eliminated from the competition a game in advance and can only hope to play spoiler to Spain, but have no reason to be upset with what was a great performance against one of the top three teams in the world.
Group C:
What We Knew: Australia are tough.
Both their goals have come off penalties, but with one game left against last-place Peru, Australia remain in the hunt for the knockout stages with a shout. They played France tough in the first match and Mile Jedinak emotionally equalized against Danish keeper Kasper Schmeichel, and with the French playing Denmark and in a battle for top of the group, Australia could just squeak into the second place spot and win a (likely) date with Croatia.
What We Learned: Panic over France is reasonable, but a bit much.
France did not exactly alleviate all their concerns with just a 1-0 victory over Peru, but the panic after their 2-1 victory over Australia was answered with a confident victory over the South American nation, knocking them out of contention for a trip to the knockout stages. Olivier Giroud looked dangerous, Kylian Mbappe became the youngest scorer in the World Cup's history, and the defense managed a dangerous Andre Carrillo well enough to prevent any equalizers from he or any of his Peruvian teammates. If they have enough to win the group remains to be seen, but their outstanding quality will (hopefully for French fans) show itself off just a little more in their final group stage match.
Group D:
What We Knew: Croatia was one of the cup's most underrated sides.
Croatia was the lowest ranked Pot 2 side in this World Cup and was dealt an intriguing group with continent-mate Iceland, Argentina, and Nigeria. This team has proven more than any other side in this tournament that there is certainly more to the World Cup than rankings alone as they have gone out and dominated Nigeria and Argentina, and will hope to secure their place at the top of the group with at least a point over Iceland. Liverpool's Dejan Lovren has anchored the back-line while Barcelona's Ivan Rakitic and Madrid's Luka Modric anchored a brilliant midfield performance against Argentina. They look like a side that could make some serious noise in the knockout stages.
What We Learned: Panic over Argentina is substantiated.
Unlike the French, who answered their questions with two victories, Argentina is now sitting bottom-place of their group with a single point and one match left to play against a Nigerian team that is on the brink of making the round of 16 for back-to-back times as they did in the 1994/98 World Cups. There have been reports of a revolt from the players on manager Jorge Sampaoli and this is a side that has looked in total disarray in both matches of the tournament so far. They are not out of it yet and their fate lies quite heavily in their own hands. That said, they will need Croatia to continue their dominant ways against Iceland and the players will need to figure out their own short-comings before it's too late.
Group E:
What We Knew: This is the group of sleepers.
Serbia (who I covered in my last World Cup article), Switzerland, and Costa Rica all provide their own threats and strengths that make life difficult for each other side, but most considered this to be a battle for second place. Instead, Switzerland and Serbia have a chance to both make it out of the group on knock Brazil down a notch with matches on the final group stage day. The Swiss team has been criticized for a lack of attacking options with wonderkid Breel Embolo seeing limited action, but they've made it work and Xherdan Shaqiri (a Liverpool target) scored a late winner to gain three points over Serbia and put them in pole position to advance. Serbia, meanwhile, will play Brazil in a match where the loser (or, in case of a draw, Serbia) goes home.
What We Learned: Brazil's going to need to produce a bit more to inspire full confidence.
Brazil won 2-0 against Costa Rica, knocking them out of the competition, but neither goal came until the stoppage time of the second half. Neymar's antics have worn down some of the sport's fans and Phil Coutinho has come in clutch in both matches for Brazil, being a key element in their victory. Again, fans also have questioned why it is not Roberto Firmino starting over Gabriel Jesus, especially with Firmino's hockey assist for the first goal against Costa Rica. Just a draw will see Brazil though, even as the potential group winner, but against a solid Serbian team, you'd like to see a bit more of a statement from a country predicted by many to be a front-runner to win the competition.
Group F:
What We Knew: Mexico is CONCACAF's finest squad.
CONCACAF provided the World Cup with three tournaments. Both that are not Mexico have zero points in their group, while Mexico has already clinched knockout stage football yet again, extending a streak that goes from the 1994 cup to present day. Mexico has a plethora of attacking options at their disposal -- like 22-year-old star Hirving Lozano, well-traveled Chicharito, and Benfica's record-signing Raul Jimenez off the bench -- and have the rest of their side full of top quality players. A point against Sweden will clinch first-place in the group for El Tri and they will hope to, unlike the previous six tournaments, make it past the round of 16.
What We Learned: Germany are still not at 100% operating ability.
Toni Kroos' goal at the death gave Germany a crucial come-from-behind victory over Sweden and put them in second place in their group, but they are not out of the clear yet. Along with the remaining match against South Korea, they have been poor at times in both of their previous matches and went into the half down 1-0 even to Sweden. Germany need a strong response in the final group stage match not just to convince their fans, but just to ensure that they will get through. We could see a Germany/Brazil round of 16 match with the interesting caveat being we aren't entirely sure who would be the second-place finisher in that bout.
Group G:
What We Knew: It will be hard to judge England and Belgium's quality based on level of competition.
Panama and Tunisia fought well and hard to put themselves into the World Cup, but when groups were drawn most thought that this would be an easy path to the next stages for England and Belgium. With the European sides only facing each other now, it seems that those beliefs were held out of the right thought. Tunisia put up a fight against England, but England ultimately vanquished them, while the Three Lions rolled over Panama. Meanwhile, Belgium started slow but revved up in the second half on Panama while handling Tunisia with similar ease. Group H's first and second place finishers, whomever they may be, will offer a more interesting challenge for these two sides.
What We Learned: It'll be hard not discount these performances entirely.
With that being said, England won tough then won big while Belgium displayed serious quality in each of their matches. In a tournament where the vast majority of giants have struggled, both Belgium and England have looked impressive and are set for a collision course where the winner will surely be a hot pick to go deep into the tournament. With no Group H team separating themselves either, it is not too unrealistic to consider both sides candidates to make it to at least the quarterfinals.
Group H:
What We Knew: This was a tough to predict group.
Japan draws Senegal, Senegal beats Poland, Japan beats Poland, Colombia beats Poland. These results make for a complicated mess of a group with the third and final group match-day seeming prime to sort it out. Everyone but Poland can advance, and all three other sides have flashed the quality you need to make it through the group stages, with Senegal and Colombia's side seemingly the one to watch from the third day, but also it will be worth seeing if Poland can gain something out of this tournament against Japan.
What We Learned: Poland was not up to par.
Speaking of Poland. One of the world's best players in Robert Lewandowski didn't get nearly enough to sink his teeth into and his side saw their hopes of advancing dashed with a 3-0 defeat to Colombia. The surrounding quality on his team left some fans wondering if they truly deserved their #6 ranking in the world, ahead of the likes of France (#7) and Spain (#8). Being in the first pot was fortunate for them, but they ran into a difficult group of teams that were well-balanced and of a similar capability, despite their quarter-finals run in Euro2016.
Follow me on Twitter @RMAB_Ryan for continued World Cup coverage and thoughts, but mainly AFC Ann Arbor, Michigan basketball, and Liverpool FC coverage.
Group A:
What We Knew: Uruguay can win ugly.
After the first game of the group stages, Uruguay dealing a heartbreaking blow to Egypt in the 89th minute, we saw that Uruguay could gut a game out and grab a late-winner. Against Saudi Arabia, they opted to strike in the 23rd through Luis Suarez and then did what they needed on the defensive end in order to hold off the Saudi Arabian side that looked much improved than that which took on Russia in the opening match of the World Cup. Uruguay's only needed two goals to confirm their advancement in the 2018 World Cup, but they'd surely like to finish the group with a win over Russia with a bit of flair.
What We Learned: Russia had indeed been dealt the group of life.
This is not a knock on Egypt or Saudi Arabia, who both hung tough with the side most consider to be the top in Group A, but Russia has looked a class above the side second-lowest in the entire competition (aside from themselves) and a bottom-half Pot 3 group. Many questioned Russia's potential advancement still, especially with Mo Salah's outstanding club season with Liverpool, and wondered if they would be able to produce the necessary results. They responded with a resounding yes as they put Egypt away with three second half goals. Their clash against Uruguay will be very telling about their chances against a round of 16 opponent.
Group B:
What We Knew: Spain is going to be a bit shaky.
With the controversy surrounding the sacking of their manager just days before the World Cup and the manner in which they drew against Portugal, the match against Iran was a must-win for the European side. They did just that as they grinded out a 1-0 win, complete with a disallowed Iranian goal. Spain look set to advance through to the knockout stages, a draw will secure this, but there are still questions to be asked of this Spanish side. A match-up with them and Uruguay would be very intriguing for fans of the sport.
What Surprised Us: Morocco is the first to go.
Yes, Morocco was a long-shot to advance out of this group with two of the world's best sides, but they were rated by many to be one of the better sides in Pot 4 and potentially a candidate to surprise some. They were arguably the better side in both of their matches, against Iran and Portugal, but suffered devastating losses to both with a second half stoppage time own goal and a fourth minute goal from Ronaldo. They are eliminated from the competition a game in advance and can only hope to play spoiler to Spain, but have no reason to be upset with what was a great performance against one of the top three teams in the world.
Group C:
What We Knew: Australia are tough.
Both their goals have come off penalties, but with one game left against last-place Peru, Australia remain in the hunt for the knockout stages with a shout. They played France tough in the first match and Mile Jedinak emotionally equalized against Danish keeper Kasper Schmeichel, and with the French playing Denmark and in a battle for top of the group, Australia could just squeak into the second place spot and win a (likely) date with Croatia.
What We Learned: Panic over France is reasonable, but a bit much.
France did not exactly alleviate all their concerns with just a 1-0 victory over Peru, but the panic after their 2-1 victory over Australia was answered with a confident victory over the South American nation, knocking them out of contention for a trip to the knockout stages. Olivier Giroud looked dangerous, Kylian Mbappe became the youngest scorer in the World Cup's history, and the defense managed a dangerous Andre Carrillo well enough to prevent any equalizers from he or any of his Peruvian teammates. If they have enough to win the group remains to be seen, but their outstanding quality will (hopefully for French fans) show itself off just a little more in their final group stage match.
Group D:
What We Knew: Croatia was one of the cup's most underrated sides.
Croatia was the lowest ranked Pot 2 side in this World Cup and was dealt an intriguing group with continent-mate Iceland, Argentina, and Nigeria. This team has proven more than any other side in this tournament that there is certainly more to the World Cup than rankings alone as they have gone out and dominated Nigeria and Argentina, and will hope to secure their place at the top of the group with at least a point over Iceland. Liverpool's Dejan Lovren has anchored the back-line while Barcelona's Ivan Rakitic and Madrid's Luka Modric anchored a brilliant midfield performance against Argentina. They look like a side that could make some serious noise in the knockout stages.
What We Learned: Panic over Argentina is substantiated.
Unlike the French, who answered their questions with two victories, Argentina is now sitting bottom-place of their group with a single point and one match left to play against a Nigerian team that is on the brink of making the round of 16 for back-to-back times as they did in the 1994/98 World Cups. There have been reports of a revolt from the players on manager Jorge Sampaoli and this is a side that has looked in total disarray in both matches of the tournament so far. They are not out of it yet and their fate lies quite heavily in their own hands. That said, they will need Croatia to continue their dominant ways against Iceland and the players will need to figure out their own short-comings before it's too late.
Group E:
What We Knew: This is the group of sleepers.
Serbia (who I covered in my last World Cup article), Switzerland, and Costa Rica all provide their own threats and strengths that make life difficult for each other side, but most considered this to be a battle for second place. Instead, Switzerland and Serbia have a chance to both make it out of the group on knock Brazil down a notch with matches on the final group stage day. The Swiss team has been criticized for a lack of attacking options with wonderkid Breel Embolo seeing limited action, but they've made it work and Xherdan Shaqiri (a Liverpool target) scored a late winner to gain three points over Serbia and put them in pole position to advance. Serbia, meanwhile, will play Brazil in a match where the loser (or, in case of a draw, Serbia) goes home.
What We Learned: Brazil's going to need to produce a bit more to inspire full confidence.
Brazil won 2-0 against Costa Rica, knocking them out of the competition, but neither goal came until the stoppage time of the second half. Neymar's antics have worn down some of the sport's fans and Phil Coutinho has come in clutch in both matches for Brazil, being a key element in their victory. Again, fans also have questioned why it is not Roberto Firmino starting over Gabriel Jesus, especially with Firmino's hockey assist for the first goal against Costa Rica. Just a draw will see Brazil though, even as the potential group winner, but against a solid Serbian team, you'd like to see a bit more of a statement from a country predicted by many to be a front-runner to win the competition.
Group F:
What We Knew: Mexico is CONCACAF's finest squad.
CONCACAF provided the World Cup with three tournaments. Both that are not Mexico have zero points in their group, while Mexico has already clinched knockout stage football yet again, extending a streak that goes from the 1994 cup to present day. Mexico has a plethora of attacking options at their disposal -- like 22-year-old star Hirving Lozano, well-traveled Chicharito, and Benfica's record-signing Raul Jimenez off the bench -- and have the rest of their side full of top quality players. A point against Sweden will clinch first-place in the group for El Tri and they will hope to, unlike the previous six tournaments, make it past the round of 16.
What We Learned: Germany are still not at 100% operating ability.
Toni Kroos' goal at the death gave Germany a crucial come-from-behind victory over Sweden and put them in second place in their group, but they are not out of the clear yet. Along with the remaining match against South Korea, they have been poor at times in both of their previous matches and went into the half down 1-0 even to Sweden. Germany need a strong response in the final group stage match not just to convince their fans, but just to ensure that they will get through. We could see a Germany/Brazil round of 16 match with the interesting caveat being we aren't entirely sure who would be the second-place finisher in that bout.
Group G:
What We Knew: It will be hard to judge England and Belgium's quality based on level of competition.
Panama and Tunisia fought well and hard to put themselves into the World Cup, but when groups were drawn most thought that this would be an easy path to the next stages for England and Belgium. With the European sides only facing each other now, it seems that those beliefs were held out of the right thought. Tunisia put up a fight against England, but England ultimately vanquished them, while the Three Lions rolled over Panama. Meanwhile, Belgium started slow but revved up in the second half on Panama while handling Tunisia with similar ease. Group H's first and second place finishers, whomever they may be, will offer a more interesting challenge for these two sides.
What We Learned: It'll be hard not discount these performances entirely.
With that being said, England won tough then won big while Belgium displayed serious quality in each of their matches. In a tournament where the vast majority of giants have struggled, both Belgium and England have looked impressive and are set for a collision course where the winner will surely be a hot pick to go deep into the tournament. With no Group H team separating themselves either, it is not too unrealistic to consider both sides candidates to make it to at least the quarterfinals.
Group H:
What We Knew: This was a tough to predict group.
Japan draws Senegal, Senegal beats Poland, Japan beats Poland, Colombia beats Poland. These results make for a complicated mess of a group with the third and final group match-day seeming prime to sort it out. Everyone but Poland can advance, and all three other sides have flashed the quality you need to make it through the group stages, with Senegal and Colombia's side seemingly the one to watch from the third day, but also it will be worth seeing if Poland can gain something out of this tournament against Japan.
What We Learned: Poland was not up to par.
Speaking of Poland. One of the world's best players in Robert Lewandowski didn't get nearly enough to sink his teeth into and his side saw their hopes of advancing dashed with a 3-0 defeat to Colombia. The surrounding quality on his team left some fans wondering if they truly deserved their #6 ranking in the world, ahead of the likes of France (#7) and Spain (#8). Being in the first pot was fortunate for them, but they ran into a difficult group of teams that were well-balanced and of a similar capability, despite their quarter-finals run in Euro2016.
Follow me on Twitter @RMAB_Ryan for continued World Cup coverage and thoughts, but mainly AFC Ann Arbor, Michigan basketball, and Liverpool FC coverage.
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